United States 

Department of

Agriculture

Animal and Plant

Health Inspection

Service

Veterinary

Services

National

Veterinary 

Services

Laboratories

Training

Courses

Provided by the

National

Veterinary

Services

Laboratories

Fiscal year 2020
TRAINING COURSES AT THE NATIONAL VETERINARY SERVICES LABORATORIES 

(For Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 - October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020)

(For courses offered more than once, all dates are listed)

Some courses may require additional fees for special supplies and equipment. *Fees are subject to change.

COURSE TITLE LENGTH DATES COST PAGE

NO.

Avian Influenza (AI) and Newcastle Disease (ND) 

Virus Isolation and Characterization

5 days By Request $1,810 14

Bluetongue (BT) and Epizootic Hemorrhagic 

Disease (EHD) Virus Isolation

5 days By Request $1,810 16

Bovine/Porcine/Fish Virus Isolation Techniques 2 days or

5 days

By Request $724 or

$1,810

17

Brucella Isolation, Identification, and Genotyping 5 days By Request $1,810 4

Brucella Reagent Production 5 days By Request $1,810 30

Complement-Fixation Test (Anaplasmosis, 

Brucellosis, Equine Piroplasmosis, and/or 

Paratuberculosis (Johne’s))

4 1⁄2 days By Request $1,629 31

Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM) 1 1⁄2 days As Scheduled $543 6

Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) Agar Gel 

Immunodiffusion (AGID) and Enzyme-Linked 

Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) Laboratory 

Methods

1 1⁄2 days As Scheduled $668 18

Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA) Virus Neutralization 

(VN)

2 days By Request $724 19

Fluorescent Antibody (FA) Conjugate Production 5 days By Request $1,810 20

Foreign Animal Diseases Varies As Scheduled $450/day* 33

Hemagglutinating Encephalomyelitis 

Hemagglutination-Inhibition (HI) Test

1 day By Request $362 21

Johne’s Isolation, Identification, and Genotyping 4 days By Request $1,448 7

Leptospira Microscopic Agglutination Test 2 days As Scheduled $724 9

Mycobacterium Isolation, Identification, and 

Genotyping

10 days By Request $3,620 10

Porcine Parvovirus (PPV) HemagglutinationInhibition (HI) Test2 days By Request $724 22

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome 

(PRRS) Indirect Fluorescent Antibody (IFA) Test

1 day By Request $362 23

Pseudorabies (PR) Virus Neutralization Test 2 days By Request $724 24

Pseudorabies (PR) Virus Enzyme-Linked 

Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and Automated 

Latex Agglutination (ALA) Test

2 days By Request $724 25

Swine Influenza (SI) Hemagglutination-Inhibition 

(HI) Test

2 days By Request $724 26

Vesicular Stomatitis (VS) Virus (New Jersey and 

Indiana Serotypes) Complement-Fixation Test

2 days By Request $ 724 27

Vesicular Stomatitis (VS) Virus (New Jersey and 

Indiana Serotypes) Virus Neutralization Test

2 days By Request $724 28

• NVSL Application for Laboratory Training (VS Form 4-11) should be submitted as soon as 

possible, but no later than 2 months before the course.

• For specialized training or training not listed, contact the NCAH Training Office:

Email: NCAH.Training@usda.gov 

Phone: (515) 337-7475 or 7300 FAX: (515) 337-7716
FY 2020 Training Catalog 

In response to requests from our customers for more specific information on diagnostic training 

to protect the health of animals, the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) is pleased 

to provide you with this catalog which outlines some of the training courses provided by the 

NVSL. We hope this catalog will be helpful to you in identifying your training needs and in 

determining how the NVSL can assist you in meeting those needs.

While a number of courses are listed, this catalog is not all inclusive as we do provide training in 

other diseases. Feel free to contact us regarding your training requirements, and the NVSL will 

be glad to customize training to meet your specific needs. For information on the daily rate for 

training in Ames, Iowa and Greenport, New York, contact the NVSL training office below.

Requests for training or for more information on training should be sent to:

TRAINING OFFICE

NATIONAL VETERINARY SERVICES LABORATORIES

P.O. BOX 844

AMES, IA 50010

The Training Office can be reached by e-mail at NCAH.Training@usda.gov, by phone at (515) 

337-7475 or 7300, or by fax at (515) 337-7716.

Information can also be accessed through the Internet at 

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/wps/portal/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth

Let us know how we can meet your training needs. 
FY 2020 Training Catalog 

CONTENTS

Page

Mission and History of the National Veterinary Services Laboratories.............. 1

General Information ........................................................................... 2

Overview of Diagnostic Bacteriology & Pathology Laboratory .......................................... 3

♦ Brucella Isolation, Identification, and Genotyping .......................................................... 4

♦ Contagious Equine Metritis.................................................................................... 6

♦ Johne’s Isolation, Identification, and Genotyping ......................................................... 7

♦ Leptospira Microscopic Agglutination Test.................................................................. 9

♦ Mycobacterium Isolation, Identification, and Genotyping................................................ 10

Overview of Diagnostic Virology Laboratory ................................................................. 12

♦ Avian Influenza (AI) Virus Isolation, Subtyping, and Agar Gel Immunosiffusion .................... 14

♦ Bluetongue (BT) and Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) Virus Isolation ......................... 16

♦ Bovine/Porcine/Fish Virus Isolation Techniques ............................................................17

♦ Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) Agar Gel Immunodiffustion (AGID) Test, the Competitive

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (C-ELISA) , and the Synthetic Antigen (SA) ELISA ...... 18

♦ Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA) Virus Neutralization (VN) ................................................. 19

♦ Fluorescent Antibody (FA) Conjugate Production .......................................................... 20

♦ Hemagglutinating Encephalomyelitis Hemagglutination-Inhibition (HI) Test ........................ 21

♦ Porcine Parvovirus (PPV) Hemagglutination-Inhibition (HI) Test ...................................... 22

♦ Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) Indirect Fluorescent

Antibody (IFA) Test ............................................................................................ 23

♦ Pseudorabies (PR) Virus Neutralization Test ............................................................... 24

♦ Pseudorabies (PR) Virus Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and 

Latex Agglutination (LA) Test................................................................................. 25

♦ Swine Influenza (SI) Hemagglutination-Inhibition (HI) Test ............................................. 26

♦ Vesicular Stomatitis (VS) Virus (New Jersey and Indiana Serotypes) Complement-Fixation Test... 27

♦ Vesicular Stomatitis (VS) Virus (New Jersey and Indiana Serotypes) Virus Neutralization Test ....28

Overview of Diagnostic Bioanalytical & Reagant Laboratory ............................................. 29

♦ Brucella Reagent Production .................................................................................. 30

♦ Complement-Fixation Test .................................................................................... 31

Overview of Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory ............................................. 33

♦ Foreign Animal Diseases ...................................................................................... 32
FY 2020 Training Catalog - 1 -

Mission and History of the National Veterinary Services Laboratories

MISSION: TO PROTECT THE HEALTH OF ANIMALS AND CONTRIBUTE TO PUBLIC HEALTH 

BY PROVIDING TIMELY, ACCURATE, AND RELIABLE LABORATORY SUPPORT TO 

OUR CUSTOMERS.

The National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) performs animal disease testing for Veterinary Services

(VS) and is the only laboratory system in the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) dedicated to the 

testing of diagnostic specimens for diagnosis of domestic and foreign animal diseases. The NVSL provides 

analytical services, disseminates scientific information, conducts developmental activities, and provides training for 

APHIS programs. It also works closely with APHIS’ International Services to provide consultation, reagents, and 

training for foreign governments. Laboratory support services are provided for many APHIS programs. [Specific 

responsibilities of the individual laboratories are listed on pages 4, 14, 33, and 34.] The NVSL works closely with 

VS specialists in program development and program monitoring, and personnel are active on many animal health 

organization committees. NVSL clients and stakeholders include private, state, Federal, university and various 

diagnostic laboratories, and other groups, both domestic and international.

HISTORY: The origin of the NVSL can be traced to the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI). Some of the 

significant events include:

1961 – Opening of the National Animal Disease Laboratory (NADL) at Ames, Iowa. The original organizational 

structure provided for a Director and Assistant Director for Research and an Assistant Director for Regulatory 

Laboratories. The Regulatory Laboratories were assigned 20 percent of the space and were to provide diagnostic 

services for the Animal Disease Eradication Division. Within a few years, reorganization resulted in three 

independent units for research, biologics, and diagnostics.

1971 – The Animal Health Division laboratory facilities in Beltsville, Maryland, were assigned to the Diagnostic 

Services group.

1972 – APHIS was formed as an Agency of the USDA. Diagnostic Services was a part of this Agency.

1973 – The Diagnostic Services Laboratory and the Biologics Laboratory were combined into one and named the 

Veterinary Services Laboratories. 

1977 – The name of the laboratory was changed to NVSL. Growth and planning for construction of a new facility 

continued.

1978 – Phase I of the NVSL central facility was completed. The biologics laboratory personnel along with 

administrative services and support personnel moved into the new facility. Personnel from Beltsville along with 

their testing responsibilities moved to Ames. 

1984 – Diagnostic activities at the Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Plum Island, New York, were transferred to 

APHIS and made a part of the NVSL. The diagnostic laboratory was named Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic 

Laboratory (FADDL).

1996 – The NVSL’s focus is exclusively on diagnostic activities due to the transfer of biologics testing 

responsibility to the Center for Veterinary Biologics. 

2004 – Phase 1 of the National Centers for Animal Health (NCAH) Consolidated Laboratory Building 21 completed.

2009 – Phase II of the NCAH Consolidated Laboratory and Administrative Facility Building 20 completed. 
FY 2020 Training Catalog - 2 -

GENERAL INFORMATION

Nomination Procedure

Refer to the course outlines as some training requires the 

approval of the Federal and/or State Veterinarian in your 

state. All requests for training should be sent to:

Training Office

National Veterinary Services 

Laboratories (NVSL)

P.O. Box 844

Ames, IA 50010

Register Early

Mail or fax a NVSL Application for Laboratory Training 

(VS Form 4-11) early but no later than 2 months prior to 

the course to assure availability.

Telephone Registration

Registration will not be accepted by telephone; however, 

NVSL Applications for Laboratory Training (VS Form 4-

11) sent by fax to (515) 337-7716 will be accepted if 

authorizing signature is included.

Confirmation Notification by the NVSL

An email confirming receipt of the nomination will be sent 

to the individual submitting the request. Upon acceptance 

into a course, an informational packet containing specific 

materials on the course will be sent directly to the trainee. 

The packet will contain an agenda, specifics on the course, 

an invoice, logistical details on hotels and transportation to 

Ames, etc., a form to be returned to the NVSL to confirm 

attendance, and any other appropriate information.

Confirmation and Payment by the Trainee

The informational packet will contain a confirmation form 

that should be returned by the trainee as soon as possible 

but no later than the date indicated on the form. The full 

tuition payment is due at this time. Payment can be made 

by User Fee Account, VISA, MasterCard, American 

Express, Discover, check, or money order (U.S. dollars 

payable to the USDA, APHIS). Instructions for paying the 

tuition will be included in the informational packet.

Substitutions

We encourage substitutions if you cannot attend a course. 

Employers may substitute another participant until the 

beginning of the course. 

Withdrawals

You may withdraw from the class up to 2 weeks before the 

course begins with a full refund of tuition. After that date, 

refunds will be reduced by 1 day’s tuition. Substitutions 

will be accepted up until the beginning of the course with 

no change to the tuition. 

Accessibility

Participants needing special arrangements due to visual, 

hearing, or mobility impairment should contact the NVSL 

Training Office at least 4 weeks before the course to 

discuss specific needs and accommodations.

Interpreters

All courses are taught in English. The trainee must 

provide his/her own interpreter if one is needed.

Transportation/Housing

Participants are responsible for making their own travel 

arrangements and paying for their own costs for 

transportation, housing and food. The NVSL will provide 

information on hotels and transportation options along 

with the course information prior to the course. 

Purchasing Reagents

Unless otherwise indicated by the course outline, reagents 

for use during the course will be provided. For 

information on purchasing reagents, call (515) 337-6200, 

or fax (515) 337-7402.

Equal Opportunity

Training will be provided without discrimination for any 

nonmerit reason such as race, color, religion, sex, national 

origin, age, marital status, physical or mental handicap, or 

membership or nonmembership in an employee 

organization.

To contact the NVSL Training office

by email: NCAH.Training@usda.gov

by phone: (515) 337-7475 or 7300

by fax: (515) 337-7716
FY 2020 Training Catalog - 3 -

OVERVIEW OF THE DIAGNOSTIC BACTERIOLOGY & PATHOLOGY 

LABORATORY (DBPL)

The DBPL provides assistance to state, Federal, university, industry, and foreign laboratories through the isolation 

and identification of pathogenic bacteria from animal tissues and fluids and provides pathology services. This

laboratory is the national reference center for confirmation and/or diagnosis of various VS program diseases (e.g., 

transmissible spongiform encephalopathies and bovine tuberculosis). Laboratory support is provided for brucellosis, 

tuberculosis, Salmonella Enteritidis, horse importation, and other programs such as the National Animal Health 

Monitoring System and the National Poultry Improvement Plan by the following sections:

Bacterial Identification Section

 Veterinary, Zoonotic, and Select Bacterial Agent Isolation and Identification

 Salmonella spp. Isolation and Serotyping

 Leptospira, Pasteurella multocida, and Avian Mycoplasma Testing and Reagents

 Salmonella, Leptospira, Anthrax, and Contagious Equine Metritis Reference Laboratories

Mycobacteria and Brucella Section  Brucella and Mycobacteria Isolation & Identification

 Proficiency Testing of State Laboratories for Johne’s Disease and Brucellosis

 Johne’s Disease Isolation, Identification, and Genotyping

Pathology Section  Histopathology Support for the Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication/Control Program

 Gross Pathology/Histopathology Support for Diagnosis of Foreign Animal Diseases and Enzootic Diseases

 Histopathology/Immunohistochemistry for Scrapie and Chronic Wasting Disease Diagnosis

 Surveillance Histopathology, IHC, ELISA, and western blot for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy

 Gross Pathology/Histopathology Reference Support for State Diagnostic Laboratories

 Histological and Immunohistochemical Preparations

COURSES OFFERED

♦ Brucella Isolation, Identification and Genotyping

♦ Contagious Equine Metritis

♦ Johne’s Isolation, Identification, and Genotyping 

♦ Leptospira Microscopic Agglutination Test

♦ Mycobacterium Isolation, Identification and Genotyping
FY 2020 Training Catalog - 4 -

BRUCELLA ISOLATION, IDENTIFICATION, AND GENOTYPING By Request

♦ Description This training will provide practical hands-on experience enabling participants to 

process tissue specimens for the isolation and identification of Brucella spp.

♦ Objectives At the conclusion of this training, participants will be able to perform the 

following skills:

• Obtain a basic understanding of the procedures used in a Biosafety Level III 

laboratory

• Process tissue, milk, and blood specimens for the isolation of Brucella spp.

• Identify the colonial morphology of Brucella on various media

• Obtain pure cultures of Brucella and perform various biochemical tests 

required for identification

• Interpret the biochemical results and identify the species and biovars of the 

genus Brucella

• Perform the AMOS PCR for identification of species and biovars of the 

genus Brucella

• Perform genotyping for Brucella.

♦ Topics to be Covered The following laboratory sessions will be provided:

Demonstrations and hands-on laboratory activities including:

• Processing various animal specimens including tissue, milk, blood, and 

swabs

• Sample preparation

• Observing bacterial growth characteristics

• Cellular morphology

• Biotyping various species of Brucella

• AMOS PCR

• Media used

• Identifying unknowns

• Genotyping Brucella strains

Lectures and/or discussions will include:

• Clinical and epidemiological aspects of bovine brucellosis

• Interpretation of atypical laboratory results 

• Interpretation of Genotyping results for Brucella

• Laboratory safety

• Trouble shooting

• Emerging technologies

• Animal inoculations

• Quality assurance

Demonstrations and tours (optional):

• NVSL/DBL – Media preparation laboratory

• NVSL/PL – Pathobiology Laboratory

• NADC – Brucellosis Laboratory

• ISU – Pathology and Microbiology

(continued on next page)
FY 2020 Training Catalog - 5 -

♦ Target Audience Technicians, technologists, microbiologists, laboratory supervisors, laboratory 

trainers other scientists who desire current knowledge of the brucellosis 

diagnostic procedures. Class is limited to 2 trainees.

♦ Time Requirements 5 days (course may be modified to focus on a particular topic or method, please 

call for information)

♦ Restrictions The training is conducted in a Biosafety Level III laboratory that requires a 

brucellosis blood test before admittance. Laboratory clothing will be provided 

for use during this course. Persons who are immunocompromised or 

immunosuppressed may be at risk of acquiring infections.

♦ Contact Person For technical information: Head, Mycobacteria and Brucella Section

 Diagnostic Bacteriology Laboratory

 (515) 337-7388

For logistical information: NVSL Training Office (515) 337-7475 or 7300
FY 2020 Training Catalog - 6 -

CONTAGIOUS EQUINE METRITIS (CEM) As Scheduled

♦ Description This training will provide information and experience necessary for participants 

to isolate and partially identify Taylorella equigenitalis

♦ Objectives • To prepare enrollees to conduct approved CEM testing

♦ Topics to be Covered Overview of CEM including:

• Background information on the organism and disease

• Associated regulations

• Requirements for CEM approved labs

• Isolation of the organism

• Identification of the organism

• NVSL SOPs

• Proficiency testing

♦ Target Audience Technicians, technologists, microbiologists, laboratory supervisors, or other 

scientists seeking knowledge or official approval as a CEM testing laboratory. 

♦ Time Requirements 1 1⁄2 days 

♦ Contact Person For technical information: Head, Bacterial Identification Section

Diagnostic Bacteriology Laboratory

(515) 337-7565

For logistical information: Training Office (515) 337-7475 or 7300
FY 2020 Training Catalog - 7 -

JOHNE’S ISOLATION, IDENTIFICATION, AND GENOTYPING By Request

♦ Description This training will provide practical hands-on experience enabling participants to 

process fecal or tissue specimens for the isolation and identification of 

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP).

♦ Objective Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Indicate the current significant epidemiological trends of paratuberculosis in 

the United States

• Demonstrate laboratory practices for safely working with Mycobacteria

• Discuss important aspects of quality assurance

• Discuss specimen collection and transport

• Perform acid-fast staining and microscopic interpretation

• Perform specimen processing and culturing methods.

• Perform confirmatory PCR for identification of suspect cultures as MAP.

• Perform the current M. avium subsp paratuberculosis direct PCR tests.

• Describe new testing methods giving applications and limitations

• Perform current genotyping methods available for MAP.

• Discuss reporting laboratory results

• Discuss effective communication with clinicians

♦ Topics to be Covered Laboratory sessions include the following demonstrations and hands-on 

laboratory activities:

• Sample preparation and processing fecal and tissue specimens

• Ziehl-Neelsen stain procedures

• Observing bacteriological growth characteristics

• Media used

• Using direct PCR methods

• Identifying unknowns using confirmatory PCR.

• Genotyping and molecular epidemiology.

Lectures/Discussions Include:

• Clinical and epidemiological aspects of paratuberculosis

• Test interpretations

• Laboratory safety

• Quality assurance

• Trouble shooting

• Emerging technologies

Demonstration and tours (optional)

• NVSL-DBL media laboratory

• NADC paratuberculosis laboratory and library

• NVSL-DBL serology laboratory

• ISU paratuberculosis laboratory and library

(continued on next page)
FY 2020 Training Catalog - 8 -

♦ Target Audience Technicians, technologists, microbiologists, laboratory supervisors, laboratory 

trainers and/or other scientists who desire current knowledge of the Johne’s 

diagnostic procedures. Class is limited to 4 trainees.

♦ Time Requirements 4 days (course may be modified to focus on a particular topic or method, please 

call for information)

♦ Contact Person For technical information: Head, Mycobacteria and Brucella Section

Diagnostic Bacteriology Laboratory

(515) 337-7388

For logistical information: Training Office (515) 337-7475 or 7300
FY 2020 Training Catalog - 9 -

LEPTOSPIRA MICROSCOPIC AGGLUTINATION TEST As Scheduled

♦ Description This is a hands-on training course that provides the opportunity for participants 

to learn the Leptospira microscopic agglutination test (MAT) for the detection 

of antibodies against Leptospira

♦ Objective Participants will review and update their knowledge of the test by observing and 

practicing specific techniques.

♦ Topics to be Covered Topics will include:

• Leptospira culture maintenance

• Dealing with contaminated cultures

• Performance and variability of test

• Proper standardization of cultures

• One on one training of test interpretation

• Short term and long term storage of cultures

• Impact of different dark field microscopes

• Quality control of Leptospira medium

• NVSL SOPs

• Proficiency Testing

• Other information available upon request (i.e. Production of Leptospira 

antiserum in rabbits etc.)

♦ Target Audience Diagnostic laboratory technicians, supervisors, and epidemiologists. Class size 

is limited to 6.

♦ Time Requirements 2 days

♦ Contact Person For technical information: Head, Bacteriological Identification Section

Diagnostic Bacteriology Laboratory

(515) 337-7565

For logistical information: Training Office (515) 337-7475 or 7300
FY 2020 Training Catalog - 10 -

MYCOBACTERIA ISOLATION, IDENTIFICATION, AND GENOTYPING By Request

♦ Description This training will provide practical hands-on experience enabling participants to 

process tissue specimens for the isolation and identification of Mycobacterium 

bovis and other atypical Mycobacteria.

♦ Objective Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Indicate the current significant epidemiological trends of bovine tuberculosis 

in the United States

• Demonstrate laboratory practices for safely working with Mycobacteria

• Discuss important aspects of quality assurance

• Discuss specimen collection and transport

• Perform acid-fast staining and microscopy

• Perform specimen processing

• Perform direct detection of M. bovis in lesioned tissues using PCR

• Perform PCR based identification methods

• Overview of whole genome sequencing and basic molecular epidemiology

• Discuss effective communication with clinician

• Discuss reporting laboratory results Describe new testing methods giving 

applications and limitations

♦ Topics to be Covered Laboratory sessions include the following demonstrations and hands-on 

laboratory activities:

• Processing tissue specimens

• Sample preparations

• Ziehl-Neelsen acid-fast stain procedures

• Observing bacteriological growth characteristics

• Media used for recovery of Mycobacteria from diagnostic samples

• Colonial morphology

• Cellular morphology 

• 16s rDNA and rpoB sequencing to identify unknown acid-fast bacteria

• PCR identification of M. tuberculosis complex bacteria

Lectures/Discussions include:

• Clinical and epidemiological aspects of bovine tuberculosis

• Test interpretations

• Laboratory safety

• Quality assurance

• Trouble shooting

• Genotyping methods

• Emerging technologies

Demonstrations and tours (optional)

• NVSL-DBL media laboratory

• NADC tuberculosis laboratory and library

• NVSL-PL laboratory

(continued on next page)
FY 2020 Training Catalog - 11 -

♦ Target Audience Technicians, technologists, microbiologists, laboratory supervisors, laboratory 

trainers or other scientists who desire current knowledge of the bovine 

tuberculosis diagnostic procedures. Class is limited to 4 trainees.

♦ Time Requirements 10 days: 5 days – Processing Portion

5 days – Identification Portion

(course may be modified to focus on a particular topic or method, please call 

for information)

♦ Restrictions A tuberculin skin test will be administered to trainees on the first day of the 

class unless they have previously been vaccinated for tuberculosis with BCG 

vaccine. Trainees will be provided with laboratory clothing which will be worn 

during the training.

♦ Contact Person For technical information: Head, Mycobacteria & Brucella Section

Diagnostic Bacteriology Laboratory

(515) 337-7388

For logistical information: Training Office (515) 337-7475 or 7300
FY 2020 Training Catalog - 12 -

OVERVIEW OF THE DIAGNOSTIC VIROLOGY LABORATORY (DVL)

The DVL provides diagnostic support for APHIS programs and foreign animal diseases (FAD) as well as diagnosis 

of domestic diseases by virus isolation and identification, serologic tests, and electron microscopy. The DVL 

conducts surveillance, import/export testing, and reference and reagent production. They provide diagnostic 

assistance in domestic diseases for private, state, Federal, and university laboratories, and train scientists from 

national and international laboratories.

The DVL is a national reference laboratory for bluetongue (BT), equine infectious anemia (EIA), highly pathogenic 

avian influenza (HPAI), Newcastle disease (ND), pseudorabies (PR), swine influenza (SI) and vesicular stomatitis 

(VS) viruses. The DVL is also an Office International des Epizooties reference laboratory for BT, EIA, HPAI, 

exotic ND, PR, Eastern, Western, and Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis, West Nile, and VS viruses.

Avian Viruses Section

 Isolation and Identification of Avian Virus Pathogens

 Reference Laboratory for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Exotic Newcastle Disease

Bovine, Porcine & Aquaculture Viruses Section

 Isolation and Identification of Bovine and Porcine Viruses, and viruses from aquatic organisms such as fish and 

shrimp

 Reference Laboratory for Pseudorabies Virus, Swine Influenza Virus, and Vesicular Stomatitis Virus. 

Equine and Ovine Viruses Section

 Isolation, identification, and serologic testing for Equine and Small Ruminant Viruses, Equine 

Encephalomyelitis, and West Nile Virus

 Reference Laboratory for Equine Infectious Anemia, Bluetongue, Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease, Eastern, 

Western, Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis, and West Nile Viruses

COURSES OFFERED

♦ Avian Influenza (AI) Virus Isolation, Subtyping, and Agar Gel Immunodiffusion

♦ Bluetongue (BT) and Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) Virus Isolation

♦ Bovine/Porcine/Fish Virus Isolation Techniques

♦ Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) Agar Gel Immunodiffusion (AGID an

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Laboratory Methods

♦ Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA) Virus Neutralization (VN)

♦ Fluorescent Antibody (FA) Conjugate Production 

♦ Hemagglutinating Encephalomyelitis Hemagglutination-Inhibition (HI) Test 

♦ Newcastle Disease (ND) Virus Isolation and Characterization

♦ Porcine Parvovirus (PPV) Hemagglutination-Inhibition (HI) Test 

♦ Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) Indirect Fluorescent

Antibody (IFA) Test

(continued on next page)
FY 2020 Training Catalog - 13 -

♦ Pseudorabies (PR) Virus Neutralization Test 

♦ Pseudorabies (PR) Virus Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and

Latex Agglutination (ALA) Test

♦ Swine Influenza (SI) Hemagglutination-Inhibition (HI) Test

♦ Vesicular Stomatitis (VS) Virus (New Jersey and Indiana Serotypes)

Complement-Fixation Test

♦ Vesicular Stomatitis (VS) Virus (New Jersey and Indiana Serotypes) 

Virus Neutralization Test
FY 2020 Training Catalog - 14 -

AVIAN INFLUENZA (AI) AND NEWCASTLE DISEASE (ND) VIRUS By Request 

ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION

♦ Description This training will provide the participant(s) hands-on experience in the 

isolation, identification, and characterization of an AI and ND virus and in the

detection of antibodies by the agar gel immunodiffusion test.

♦ Objective Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate laboratory safety practices in handling AI and ND virus

• Discuss important aspects of quality assurance related to the procedures used

• Perform virus isolation using chicken embryos

• Perform the hemagglutination test

• Perform the hemagglutination-inhibition test

• Perform the agar gel immunodiffusion test

• Discuss pathogenicity criteria

• Discuss and understand subtyping methods including hemagglutinationinhibition and neuraminidase-inhibition tests

♦ Topics to be Covered Laboratory sessions will include the following demonstrations and hands-on 

training:

• Tissue selection and preparation for virus isolation

• Antibiotic and media formulations

• Embryo inoculation via allantoic sac route

• Embryo candling and collection of allantoic fluid

• Hemagglutination test

• Hemagglutination-inhibition test for virus identification

• Agar gel immunodiffusion test

• Subtype (hemagglutination-inhibition and neuraminidase-inhibition tests) 

determination by determination

Discussions will include:

• Epidemiology of avian influenza and Newcastle

• Good laboratory practices

• Techniques to prevent laboratory contamination

• Quality assurance

• Trouble shooting

• Test interpretations

• Pathogenicity tests and interpretations

• Reagent preparation

• Subtyping procedure

(continued on next page)
FY 2020 Training Catalog - 15 -

♦ Target Audience Technicians, microbiologists, and veterinarians who wish to improve current 

laboratory skills or who will actually perform the test in the laboratory. Class 

size is limited to 2.

♦ Time Requirements Training will be provided Monday through Friday. Trainee should be prepared 

to be in the laboratory for 5 full days.

♦ Restrictions The training will be conducted in a high security laboratory. Trainees will be 

required to change clothing to enter and shower to leave. Participants must sign 

an agreement not to go near or handle livestock or poultry during the training 

and for 5 days after completion of the training.

♦ Contact Person For technical information: Head, Avian Viruses Section

Diagnostic Virology Laboratory

(515) 337-7551

For logistical information: Training Office (515) 337-7475 or 7300
FY 2020 Training Catalog - 16 -

BLUETONGUE (BT) AND EPIZOOTIC By Request

HEMORRHAGIC DISEASE (EHD) VIRUS ISOLATION

♦ Description This hands-on training allows the participants an opportunity to isolate and 

identify BT and EHD viruses from field specimens.

♦ Objective To enable participants to follow and perform procedures to isolate and identify 

BT and EHD.

♦ Topics to be Covered Overview of virus isolation techniques including:

• Processing of specimens

• Preparation and inoculation of cell cultures

• Preparation and inoculation of embryonating chicken eggs

• RT-PCR identification and typing procedures

♦ Target Audience Laboratory personnel familiar with virus isolation techniques.

Class size is limited to 2.

♦ Time Requirements 5 days

♦ Restrictions The training will be conducted in a high-security laboratory. Trainees will be 

required to change clothing to enter and shower to leave. Participants must sign 

an agreement not to go near or handle livestock or poultry during the training 

and for 5 days after completion of the training.

♦ Contact Person For technical information: Head, Equine and Ovine Viruses Section

Diagnostic Virology Laboratory

(515) 337-7551

For logistical information: Training Office: (515) 337-7475 or 7300
FY 2020 Training Catalog - 17 -

BOVINE/PORCINE/FISH VIRUS ISOLATION TECHNIQUES By Request

 

♦ Description This training will provide practical, hands-on experience in techniques used to 

isolate common bovine, porcine, or fish viral agents from tissues, swabs, and 

other diagnostic specimens.

♦ Objective To learn procedures for the isolation of bovine, porcine, or fish viruses

♦ Topics to be Covered An overview of techniques including:

• Tissue selection, preparation, and homogenization techniques

• Cell culture preparation and inoculation

• Observation of cultures for cytopathic effects

• Procedures for blind passage

• Identification strategies, including direct and indirect immunofluorescence 

assays, serum-virus neutralization, and electron microscopy

♦ Target Audience Technicians, microbiologists, and veterinarians who are performing or who 

wish to perform virus isolation in cell culture from bovine, porcine, or fish

diagnostic specimens. Class size is limited to 2.

♦ Time Requirements 2 days or 5 days*

*Note: The general overview of basic virus isolation techniques for bovine,

porcine, or fish viruses requires 5 days. Training for isolation techniques for 

one type of virus, e.g., porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) 

virus isolation techniques, can be completed in 2 days.

♦ Restrictions The training will be conducted in a high-security laboratory. Trainees will be 

required to change clothing to enter and shower to leave. Participants must sign 

an agreement not to go near or handle livestock or poultry during the training 

and for 5 days after completion of the training.

♦ Contact Person For technical information: Head, Bovine, Porcine & Aquaculture

 Viruses Section

Diagnostic Virology Laboratory

(515) 337-7551

For logistical information: Training Office (515) 337-7475 or 7300
FY 2020 Training Catalog - 18 -

EQUINE INFECTIOUS ANEMIA (EIA) AGAR GEL As Scheduled

IMMUNODIFFUSION (AGID) AND 

ENZYME-LINKED IMMUNOSORBENT ASSAY (ELISA)

LABORATORY METHODS 

♦ Description This is a hands-on course that gives participants complete training in EIA AGID 

setup and interpretation as well as conducting the currently licensed ELISA 

tests.

♦ Objective To provide trainees with the information and skills to set up and interpret EIA 

AGID and ELISA reactions and earn certification to perform USDA-approved 

testing.

♦ Topics to be Covered Topics include:

• EIA testing and regulatory concerns

• Status reports

• Pouring, cutting, and inoculating immunodiffusion (ID) plates

• Reading and interpretation of ID plates

• Agar preparation

• Setup and interpretation of EIA ELISA tests

• Approved EIA laboratory and technician responsibilities

♦ Target Audience Technicians, microbiologists, and/or veterinarians who want EIA testing 

certification. Class size is limited to 12.

♦ Time Requirements 1 1⁄2 days

♦ Nomination Procedure Requests for training must be signed by the applicant’s Federal Veterinarian 

before sending to the Director’s Office, National Veterinary Services 

Laboratories. 

♦ Contact Person For technical information: Head, Equine & Ovine Viruses Section

Diagnostic Virology Laboratory

(515) 337-7551

For logistical information: Training Office (515) 337-7475 or 7300
FY 2020 Training Catalog - 19 -

EQUINE VIRAL ARTERITIS (EVA) VIRUS NEUTRALIZATION (VN) By Request

♦ Description A hands-on training course designed to give students an opportunity to learn 

microtiter VN techniques and successfully complete an EVA check test set.

♦ Objective To enable trainees to successfully perform the EVA VN test

♦ Topics to be Covered Topics include:

• Overview of microtiter VN testing

• Overview of tissue culture techniques

• Specific procedures and requirements for EVA VN testing

♦ Target Audience Technicians, microbiologists, and veterinarians who will actually perform the 

test in the laboratory. Class size limited to 2.

♦ Time Requirements The test requires 2 days – 1 day for overview and setup and 1 day to read 

results. Results are read 72 hours later. Training will be provided on Friday, 

with results read the following Monday. Alternately, the training may be 

scheduled for Monday and the following Thursday. (Trainees have the option to 

schedule other NVSL training on Tuesday and Wednesday.) 

♦ Restrictions The training will be conducted in a high-security laboratory. Trainees will be 

required to change clothing to enter and shower to leave. Participants must sign 

an agreement not to go near or handle livestock or poultry during the training 

and for 5 days after completion of the training.

♦ Contact Person For technical information: Head, Equine & Ovine Viruses Section

Diagnostic Virology Laboratory

(515) 337-7551

For logistical information: Training Office (515) 337-7475 or 7300
FY 2020 Training Catalog - 20 -

FLUORESCENT ANTIBODY (FA) CONJUGATE PRODUCTION By Request

♦ Description Hands-on training to prepare an FA conjugate using fluorescein isothiocyanate 

(FITC) dye. Serum antibody used in this course was produced against a viral 

agent, but the FA-labeling technique can also be applied to antiserum produced 

against other agents.

♦ Objective To enable participants to conjugate and evaluate FITC-labeled antibody.

♦ Topics to be Covered The production and evaluation of conjugate including:

• Discussion of antiserum production

• Preparation of reagents used in procedure

• SAS fraction of serum

• Dialysis

• Protein determination

• Gel filtration with Sephadex

• Evaluation of FA conjugates

• Production of acetone extraction for rabbit liver powder and need for 

production of FA conjugates

♦ Target Audience Technicians, microbiologists, and/or veterinarians who want training in FA

conjugate production. Restricted to 2 trainees.

♦ Time Requirements 5 days

♦ Restrictions The training will be conducted in a BSL-2 laboratory. Participants must sign an 

agreement not to go near or handle livestock or poultry during the training and 

for 5 days after completion of the training.

♦ Contact Person For technical information: Reagent Production Unit

Diagnostic Virology Laboratory

(515) 337-7551

For logistical information: Training Office (515) 337-7475 or 7300
FY 2020 Training Catalog - 21 -

HEMAGGLUTINATING ENCEPHALOMYELITIS By Request

HEMAGGLUTINATION-INHIBITION (HI) TEST

♦ Description Explanation of the complete procedure and hands-on practical experience will 

enable the trainee to perform the HI test for detection of antibodies against 

hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus (HEV).

♦ Objective At the conclusion of the training, course participants will be able to perform the

HI for detection of antibodies against HEV.

♦ Topics to be Covered Overview of test procedures including:

• Propagation of virus stocks

• Virus titration to determine virus concentration

• Sample preparation and titration for determination of endpoint titer

• Challenge virus dilution and preparation of back titrations

• Reading and evaluation of test plates

• Use of controls to monitor performance of the test

• Reporting of test results

♦ Target Audience Laboratory personnel who wish to conduct testing. Class size is limited to 2.

♦ Time Requirements 1 day

♦ Restrictions The training will be conducted in a high-security laboratory. Trainees will be 

required to change clothing to enter and shower to leave. Participants must sign 

an agreement not to go near or handle livestock or poultry during the training 

and for 5 days after completion of the training.

♦ Contact Person For technical information: Head, Bovine, Porcine & Aquaculture

 Viruses Section

Diagnostic Virology Laboratory

(515) 337-7551

For logistical information: Training Office (515) 337-7475 or 7300
FY 2020 Training Catalog - 22 -

PORCINE PARVOVIRUS (PPV) By Request

HEMAGGLUTINATION-INHIBITION (HI) TEST

♦ Description Explanation of the complete procedure and hands-on practical experience will 

provide trainee the opportunity to perform the HI test for detection of antibodies 

against PPV

♦ Objective At the conclusion of the training, course participants will be able to perform the

HI test for detection of antibodies against PPV.

♦ Topics to be Covered An overview of the HI test including:

• Propagation of virus stocks

• Virus titrations to determine virus concentration

• Sample preparation and titration for determination of endpoint titer

• Challenge virus dilution and preparation of back titrations

• Reading and evaluation of test plates

• Use controls to monitor performance of the test

• Reporting of test results

♦ Target Audience Laboratory personnel desiring to learn and implement the HI test. Class size is 

limited to 2.

♦ Time Requirements 1 days

♦ Restrictions The training will be conducted in a high-security laboratory. Trainees will be 

required to change clothing to enter and shower to leave. Participants must sign 

an agreement not to go near or handle livestock or poultry during the training 

and for 5 days after completion of the training.

♦ Contact Person For technical information: Head, Bovine, Porcine & Aquaculture

 Viruses Section

Diagnostic Virology Laboratory

(515) 337-7551

For logistical information: Training Office (515) 337-7475 or 7300
FY 2020 Training Catalog - 23 -

PORCINE REPRODUCTIVE AND RESPIRATORY By Request

SYNDROME (PRRS) INDIRECT FLUORESCENT

ANTIBODY (IFA) TEST

♦ Description This training will provide an explanation of the testing procedure and provide 

practical hands-on experience which will enable participants to conduct the IFA 

test for detection of antibodies against PRRS virus.

♦ Objective To perform the IFA test for detection of antibodies against PRRS.

♦ Topics to be Covered Overview of testing procedures including:

• Propagation of virus stocks

• Virus titrations to determine virus concentration

• Preparation of IFA slides

• Sample preparation and titration for determination of endpoint titer

• Reading and evaluation of slides

• Use of controls to monitor performance of the test

• Reporting of test results

♦ Target Audience Laboratory personnel who wish to conduct testing. Class size is limited to 2.

♦ Time Requirements 1 day

♦ Restrictions The training will be conducted in a high-security laboratory. Trainees will be 

required to change clothing to enter and shower to leave. Participants must sign 

an agreement not to go near or handle livestock or poultry during the training 

and for 5 days after completion of the training.

♦ Contact Person For technical information: Head, Bovine, Porcine & Aquaculture

 Viruses Section

Diagnostic Virology Laboratory

(515) 337-7551

For logistical information: Training Office (515) 337-7475 or 7300
FY 2020 Training Catalog - 24 -

PSEUDORABIES (PR) VIRUS NEUTRALIZATION TEST By Request

♦ Description This training will provide an explanation of the complete testing procedure and 

provide practical hands-on experience to enable the participants to conduct the 

virus neutralization test for detection of antibodies against PR virus.

♦ Objective To perform the virus neutralization test for detection of antibodies against PR 

virus.

♦ Topics to be Covered Overview of virus neutralization testing procedures including

• Propagation of virus stocks

• Virus preparation and titration for determination of endpoint titer

• Challenge virus dilution and preparation of back titrations

• Cell culture methods

• Reading and evaluation of test plates

• Use of controls to monitor performance of the test

• Reporting of the test results

♦ Target Audience Laboratory personnel who wish to conduct testing. Class size is limited to 2.

♦ Time Requirements 2 days

♦ Restrictions The training will be conducted in a high-security laboratory. Trainees will be 

required to change clothing to enter and shower to leave. Participants must sign 

an agreement not to go near or handle livestock or poultry during the training 

and for 5 days after completion of the training.

♦ Contact Person For technical information: Head, Bovine, Porcine & Aquaculture

 Viruses Section

Diagnostic Virology Laboratory

(515) 337-7551

For logistical information: Training Office (515) 337-7475 or 7300
FY 2020 Training Catalog - 25 -

PSEUDORABIES (PR) VIRUS ENZYME-LINKED By Request

IMMUNOSORBENT ASSAY (ELISA) AND AUTOMATED

LATEX AGGLUTINATION (ALA) TEST

♦ Description This training will provide an explanation of the complete testing procedure and 

provide practical hands-on experience to enable the participants to conduct the 

automated latex agglutination test and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for 

detection of antibodies against PR virus.

♦ Objective To perform the PR ELISA and ALA test for detection of antibodies against PR 

virus.

♦ Topics to be Covered Overview of ELISA and ALA testing procedures.

♦ Target Audience Laboratory personnel who wish to conduct testing. Class size is limited to 2.

♦ Time Requirements 2 days (If training on one test, only 1 day required)

♦ Restrictions The training will be conducted in a high-security laboratory. Trainees will be 

required to change clothing to enter and shower to leave. Participants must sign 

an agreement not to go near or handle livestock or poultry during the training 

and for 5 days after completion of the training.

♦ Contact Person For technical information: Head, Bovine, Porcine & Aquaculture

 Viruses Section

Diagnostic Virology Laboratory

(515) 337-7551

For logistical information: Training Office (515) 337-7475 or 7300
FY 2020 Training Catalog - 26 -

SWINE INFLUENZA (SI) HEMAGGLUTINATION-INHIBITION (HI) TEST By Request

♦ Description This training will provide an explanation of the testing procedure and provide 

practical hands-on experience which will enable participants to conduct the HI 

test for detection of antibodies against SI virus.

♦ Objective To perform the HI test for detection of antibodies against SI virus.

♦ Topics to be Covered Overview of HI testing procedures including:

• Propagation of virus stocks

• Virus titrations to determine virus concentration 

• Sample preparation and titration for determination of endpoint titer

• Challenge virus dilution and preparation of back titrations

• Reading and evaluation of test plates

• Use of controls to monitor performance of the test

• Reporting of test results

• Public health issues involved with these viruses

♦ Target Audience Laboratory personnel who wish to conduct testing. Class size is limited to 2.

♦ Time Requirements 2 days

♦ Restrictions The training will be conducted in a high-security laboratory. Trainees will be 

required to change clothing to enter and shower to leave. Participants must sign 

an agreement not to go near or handle livestock or poultry during the training 

and for 5 days after completion of the training.

♦ Contact Person For technical information: Head, Bovine, Porcine & Aquaculture

 Viruses Section

Diagnostic Virology Laboratory

(515) 337-7551

For logistical information: Training Office (515) 337-7475 or 7300
FY 2020 Training Catalog - 27 -

VESICULAR STOMATITIS (VS) VIRUS By Request

(NEW JERSEY AND INDIANA SEROTYPES)

COMPLEMENT-FIXATION TEST

♦ Description This training will provide an explanation of the testing procedure and provide 

practical hands-on experience which will enable participants to conduct the 

complement-fixation test for detection of antibodies against VS virus 

(New Jersey and Indiana serotypes).

♦ Objective To perform the complement-fixation test for detection of antibodies against VS 

virus (New Jersey and Indiana serotypes).

♦ Topics to be Covered Overview of complement-fixation testing procedures including:

• Preparation of reagents

• Sample preparation and test procedures

• Reading and evaluation of test plates

• Use of controls to monitor performance of the test

• Reporting of the test results

• Public health issues involved with this virus

♦ Target Audience Technicians, microbiologists, and/or veterinarians who wish to conduct testing 

to qualify animals for export or interstate shipment. Class size limited to 2.

♦ Time Requirements 2 days

♦ Restrictions The training will be conducted in a high-security laboratory. Trainees will be 

required to change clothing to enter and shower to leave. Participants must sign 

an agreement not to go near or handle livestock or poultry during the training 

and for 5 days after completion of the training.

♦ Contact Person For technical information: Head, Bovine, Porcine & Aquaculture

 Viruses Section

Diagnostic Virology Laboratory

(515) 337-7551

For logistical information: Training Office (515) 337-7475 or 7300
FY 2020 Training Catalog - 28 -

VESICULAR STOMATITIS (VS) VIRUS By Request

(NEW JERSEY AND INDIANA SEROTYPES)

VIRUS NEUTRALIZATION TEST

♦ Description This training will provide an explanation of the testing procedure and provide 

practical hands-on experience which will enable participants to conduct the 

virus neutralization test for detection of antibodies against VS virus 

(New Jersey and Indiana serotypes).

♦ Objective To perform the virus neutralization test for detection of antibodies against VS 

virus (New Jersey and Indiana serotypes).

♦ Topics to be Covered Overview of virus neutralization testing procedures including:

• Propagation of virus stock

• Virus titrations to determine virus concentration

• Sample preparation and titration for determination of endpoint titer

• Challenge virus dilution and preparation of back titration

• Cell culture methods

• Reading and evaluation of test plates

• Use of controls to monitor performance of the test

• Reporting of the test results

• Public health issues involved with this virus

♦ Target Audience Technicians, microbiologists, and/or veterinarians who wish to conduct testing 

to qualify animals for export or interstate shipment. Class size limited to 2.

♦ Time Requirements 2 days

♦ Restrictions The training will be conducted in a high-security laboratory. Trainees will be 

required to change clothing to enter and shower to leave. Participants must sign 

an agreement not to go near or handle livestock or poultry during the training 

and for 5 days after completion of the training.

♦ Contact Person For technical information: Head, Bovine, Porcine & Aquaculture

 Viruses Section

Diagnostic Virology Laboratory

(515) 337-7551

For logistical information: Training Office (515) 337-7475 or 7300
FY 2020 Training Catalog - 29 -

OVERVIEW OF THE 

DIAGNOSTIC BIOANYTICAL & REAGENT LABORATORY (DBRL)

The DBRL provides differential diagnostic studies of Foreign Animal Disease (FAD) and domestic animal diseases, 

serologic testing for diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, provision of reagents and proficiency tests, 

and offering of training courses. The laboratory’s clients and stakeholders include several Federal programs, various 

diagnostic laboratories, and other groups, both domestic and international. 

This laboratory is the national reference center for confirmation and/or diagnosis of various VS program diseases 

(e.g., screwworm myiasis, and cattle fever ticks). It is an international center for analytical services and provides 

pathology, parasitology, entomology, and analytical chemistry services. 

Serology Section

 Brucellosis Program Testing

 Import/Export Program Testing

 Proficiency Test of State Laboratories

 Tuberculosis Serum Bank

Proficiency Testing and Reagent (PTR) Section

 Cytology

 Reagent Production

 Proficiency Testing

Parasitology, Chemistry and Analytical Services (PCAS) Section  Chemical Identification and Quantitation of Program-related Agents

 Analysis of Pesticide Concentrations for APHIS Programs

 Chemical Analysis of Veterinary Biologics Products

 Standardization of Analytical Methologies

 Fraudulent Blood Screening

 Exotic and Domestic Parasite Identification (e.g., Ticks, Myiasis Flies, Mites, Hemoparasites)

 Center for National Tick Surveillance Program

Brucella & Mycobacterium Reagents Team (BMRT) / Hemoparasite Reagent Unit (HRU)  Brucella abortus, Brucella canis, and Brucella ovis Reagent Production

 Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium Reagent Production

 Proficiency Testing Panels for Brucella abortus, Brucella ovis, Mycobacterium bovis, Mycobacterium avium 

paratuberculosis (Johnes) milk and serum, and Anaplasma marginale

 Equine Piroplasmosis reagent production

 Glanders reagent production

 Dourine reagent production

COURSES OFFERED

♦ Brucella Reagent Production............................................................................................. 7

♦ Complement-Fixation Test

♦ Specialized training available upon request. Contact the Training Office, telephone (515) 337-7475 or 7300 or 

email: NCAH.Training@usda.gov
FY 2020 Training Catalog - 30 -

BRUCELLA REAGENT PRODUCTION By Request

♦ Description This training will provide information and experience necessary for participants 

to propagate, process, standardize, and evaluate Brucella abortus cells and 

antigens

♦ Objectives • To produce and evaluate antigens for the detection of antibodies to B. abortus

♦ Topics to be Covered Overview of antigen production and evaluation including:

• Background information on the various antigens produced and their 

applications in laboratory and field settings

• Preparation of seed stock

• Propagation of cells on solid and in liquid media

• Purity and dissociation of cells repairing dyes and straining cells

• Standardization of cell concentration

• Sterility testing

• Serologic evaluation of antigens

♦ Target Audience Technicians, technologists, microbiologists, laboratory supervisors, laboratory 

trainers other scientists who desire current knowledge of the Brucella reagent 

production. Class size limited to 2.

♦ Time Requirements 5 days 

♦ Contact Person For technical information: Leader, Brucella & Mycobacterium

Reagents Team

Diagnostic Bioanalytical & Reagent Laboratory

(515) 337-7181

For logistical information: Training Office (515) 337-7475 or 7300
FY 2020 Training Catalog - 31 -

COMPLEMENT-FIXATION TEST [ANAPLASMOSIS, BRUCELLA ABORTUS, By Request

EQUINE PIROPLASMOSIS AND/OR PARATUBERCULOSIS (JOHNE’S)]

♦ Description This is a hands-on training course that provides the opportunity for participants 

to learn the complement-fixation technique for the detection of antibodies 

against anaplasmosis, brucellosis, equine piroplasmosis, and/or paratuberculosis 

(Johne’s).

♦ Objective Participants will review and update their knowledge of the complement-fixation 

test by observing and practicing specific techniques for the detection of 

antibodies against anaplasmosis, brucellosis, equine piroplasmosis, and/or 

paratuberculosis (Johne’s)

♦ Topics to be Covered Testing procedures including:

• Complement-fixation principles

• Hemolysin titrations

• Complement titrations

• Complement-fixation tests for anaplasmosis, brucellosis, equine 

piroplasmosis, and/or paratuberculosis (Johne’s)

♦ Target Audience Diagnostic laboratory technicians, supervisors, and epidemiologists. Class size 

is limited to 6.

♦ Time Requirements 41⁄2 days

♦ Contact Person For technical information: Head, Serology Section

Diagnostic Bioanalytical & Reagent Laboratory

(515) 337-7563

For logistical information: Training Office (515) 337-7475 or 7300
FY 2020 Training Catalog - 32 -

OVERVIEW OF THE FOREIGN ANIMAL DISEASE DIAGNOSTIC

LABORATORY (FADDL)

The Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (FADDL), located in the Plum Island Animal Disease Center in 

Plum Island, NY, is responsible for the diagnosis of animal diseases foreign to the United States. The facility 

receives and tests both domestic and international samples. FADDL is a national and international reference 

laboratory for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Organization for 

Animal Health (OIE). 

Director’s Office

 Import, Export, and Domestic Transfer of Biologic Materials

 Safety Testing and Treatment of Biologic Materials to be Imported to the U.S. mainland

 Coordination of International Capacity Building Efforts

Diagnostic Services Section

 Diagnosis of Foreign Animal Diseases (FAD)

 Pathogen Discovery and Characterization

 Diagnostic Assay Validation

 Histologic Studies on Diagnostic Cases

 Electron Microscopic Examination of Pathogens

Reagents and Vaccine Services Section  New Methods Evaluation and Implementation

 Proficiency Test Administration to the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN)

 Production, Maintenance, and Distribution of Diagnostic Reagents and Cell Products

 Repository of Foreign Animal Disease Agents and Biologics

 OIE/FAO Authorized Rinderpest Holding Facility

North American Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccine Bank  Maintenance of North American Foot-and-Mouth (FMD) antigen stockpile

 Protective Dose and Stability Testing of vaccine antigen

 Identity Sequencing of FMD Antigen

TRAINING OFFERED

Foreign Animal Diseases
FY 2020 Training Catalog - 33 -

FOREIGN ANIMAL DISEASES As Scheduled

Training in the handling and diagnosis of foreign (transboundary) animal diseases is not a service offered to the 

public by the Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (FADDL). Specific training for veterinarians, animal 

health officials, and other animal health professionals in foreign/transboundary disease recognition may be offered 

through the USDA APHIS VS Professional Development Services.